A building should provide a pleasant, efficient and healthy environment for its occupants. Its primary purpose should be to protect from adverse conditions found outside; but in doing so, not loose the beneficial conditions found outside. If a building is properly planned and built well, these aims can be achieved. In most situations, buildings should satisfy the following:

·       Buffer the impact of adverse external conditions (e.g. extremes of temperature, wind, moisture).

·       Make use of natural light during the day (with windows, skylights, reflective interior surfaces, etc).

·       Provide appropriate artificial light (without glare, with appropriate intensity and wavelengths, etc).

·       Maintain good air quality inside (e.g. through ventilation, indoor plants).

·       Minimise pollutants/toxins (e.g. fumes, dust).

·       Control acoustics (stop unwanted noise; avoid interference/distortion of desirable noise, etc)

·       Provide unimpeded movement and access to all areas.

·       Provide rapid response to environmental controls (e.g. ability to raise or lower temperature quickly, ventilate rapidly if necessary).

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